Top 5 Classic Car Buying Tips

If you’re a car enthusiast like me, you might have, at one point in your life, flirted with the idea of owning or at least driving a classic car. Whether for style, investment or just personal enjoyment, classic cars can be either the best thing in your collection of assets or a money pit that keeps dipping into your pockets for more. It all depends on the thought process that you went through when buying the car. Featured below are five tips to help you make a more informed decision as you settle to buy that classic car.

Buy the Classic Car You Like

If you’re looking to buy a classic car, you are already past the functional purpose of having a car. There needs to be an emotional or personal reason why you want to buy that classic car. Maybe the car is more of an investment, and you’d like to resell it once its value appreciates. Or maybe, you just like the look and feel of driving a classic car.

Whatever the reason, you need to feel some bit of connection towards that classic car. Don’t just buy a classic car because everybody likes it, and it’s the big talk in town. Otherwise, it might end up rusting in your garage in the hopes that one day you will take it for a drive.

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Check the Condition of the Classic Car

Rigorous inspection is important when purchasing a classic car. You need to ensure both the interior and exterior are in good condition. Are the seats adjustable? Do they look old and fatigued? How functional are the controls? A classic car might not have that many accessories. But try them out to see if everything works as it should be.

Once you’re done with the interior, walk around the car and look at the car’s body. How is the paint job? Does the body look original? Are there any restored parts? Afterwards, you can go under the hood and check whether the engine cylinder, nuts, valves and pistons are in good condition. While at it, ask if the car is a factory make or a restoration. You can also enquire further about the mileage and service history.

Always Check the Undercarriage

It’s very important that you check the undercarriage of a classic car before buying it. You can tell your dealer to throw the car on the lift or, if not, request them to send you high-resolution pictures of the undercarriage. On the undercarriage is where you are likely to find rust. And depending on how spread out the rust is, you can decide to either buy then give it a quick fix or find another better car.

Rust can slowly eat away your vehicle’s frame. If this brown stuff is on a small portion, then, by all means, go for the car. If, however, it is spread out over a large section of the undercarriage, then you are better off finding another classic car.

Take the Car for a Test Spin

It’s now time to take the classic car for a test drive. As you drive, check if it has any bad habits. Take it through all the gears and see how it is revving and how fast it can go. You can also use this time to check if the gauge, radio, lights, wipers, and indicators are functioning correctly.

Research on Classic Car Insurance in your Area

Unlike normal cars that depreciate over time, most classic cars appreciate in value. Your insurance company might not treat the classic car the same way they do your regular car. It’s best to research earlier which classic car insurance covers will work for you before you hand over the cheque.

The Bottom Line

Are you looking to buy a classic car? We recommend you check out the Classic Italian Cars at the Dyler Website. Before you buy, remember to inspect the condition and undercarriage of the classic car. Evaluate your reasons for buying, then go for the one that makes you feel like a dog with two tails.